Country Music Singer and TV Host Ronnie Prophet Dies at 80

Ronnie Prophet, a Canadian country music singer who rose to fame in the 1970s via his music as well as his work on various variety TV shows, died Friday (Mar. 2) morning, according to a post made by a family spokesperson on his Facebook page. He was 80.

Prophet, a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, recorded more than 25 albums and charted five singles during the 1970s on the Billboard Country charts. He won Juno awards for country male vocalist of the year in both 1978 and 1979.

The singer began his career at age 15 in his native Canada, eventually relocating to the United States in the '60s. However, he remained prominent in his homeland, hosting Canadian network variety shows Country Roads, The Ronnie Prophet Show and Grand Old Country through the '70s. The shows featured his talent as a one-man act, combining music and comedy. He also hosted prominent special guests, including Dolly Parton, George Jones, Hank Williams Jr., and other legendary country names.

Prophet's wife, Glory-Anne, who recorded a string of duets with her husband, wrote on social media of his passing: "There are no words to express the heartache of losing my best friend and the love of my life. Ronnie’s sense of humor has sustained me through the years no matter the circumstances even to the very last."

She shared that Prophet passed away while listening to Chet Atkins' music. "His passion for music was part of who he was and it was always his wish to keep people smiling wherever he went."